If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Using my 20+ years of writing and editing experience across a variety of forms, I’m passionate about helping people tell their stories. No matter the stage of your project, for fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, memoirs, and speeches, I’m your pro. And I’m fun to work with! Y hablo español también.
Overview
Hired 57 times
Serves Chicago, IL
Background checked
1 employee
5 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2022
Services offered
Type of work
Editing type
Substantive or developmental editing
Formatting and fact checking
Copyediting
Proofreading
Document to be edited
Fiction manuscripts
Non-fiction manuscripts
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
32 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
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0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Christa c.
Aug 7, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
If you're looking for an editor who truly cares about your book, James is the person you want. He has been helping me with my novel, *Wrapped in Veilfire*, and I honestly couldn't have asked for anyone better.
Not only is he incredibly talented at what he does, but he takes the time to explain every edit, every suggestion, and the thought process behind it. I never felt like he was just changing my work. Instead, he helped me become a better writer by teaching me why certain changes made the story stronger. That kind of guidance is priceless.
On top of all that, James is just an all-around great guy. He's patient, kind, easy to work with, and genuinely invested in helping your vision come to life instead of trying to make it his own. He respects your story while making it the best version it can be.
I can't recommend him enough. Thank you, James, for all the time, effort, and care you've put into *Wrapped in Veilfire*. Your work has made a huge difference, and I'm incredibly grateful.
Details: Editing • Proofreading • Substantive or developmental editing • Formatting and fact checking • Fiction manuscripts • 50,000 - 100,000 words • A variety of projects • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Writing and Editing Services
Kia H.
Mar 22, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
James is my “forever editor”! He was very knowledgeable and thorough with my manuscript for my debut novel. He was warm and what I really appreciated was that he understood my voice and kept it sacred during this editing process. He made recommendations to really bring some of my points home and his input on structure and order really helped to polish the end result of my manuscript. I was so grateful to have found him as a partner in this very important and personal project.
Details: Editing • Substantive or developmental editing • Non-fiction manuscripts • 30,000 - 50,000 words • A single project • Remotely (phone or internet)
Writing and Editing Services
Katie P.
Feb 26, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
James was a very unexpected asset! I found him almost on accident, but hired him immediately after a quick phone chat. He read my debut fiction novel and provided feedback and collaboration. Emphasis on the collaboration part. It was important to me to be heard. James "got it" right away and gave the most insightful feedback to help me portray the point on the page. He was very gracious to me in my lack of experience with writing and allowed me all the stupid questions I could come up with. I would (and will) highly recommend him to anyone with editing needs. He is very knowledgeable, responds quickly and clearly communicates. Most important to me, he is very personable and so much fun to work with. I genuinely felt I had an ally helping me get my story out, not just someone critiquing the technical aspects of the writing. In my most confident, almost bossy, mid-west tone...... "Dude, just hire him already."
Details: Editing • Substantive or developmental editing • Copyediting • Fiction manuscripts • 50,000 - 100,000 words • A single project • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location
Writing and Editing Services
Andee C.
Jan 10, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
James is a professional who provides quality service and quick responses. The value was the best. I highly recommend his editingservices if you want the best!
Details: Writing • Proofreading • Fiction manuscripts • 10,000 - 30,000 words • A single project • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Writing and Editing Services
Norma M.
Aug 5, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
James helped me with the writing of a small children's book. It has so far been excellent!
Details: Remotely (phone or internet)
Writing and Editing Services
Credentials
Background Check
James Vickery
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We can work it out based off complexity and what level of time and thought investment you’re looking for from me.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Let’s get to know each other a bit with a brief phone chat to see if we’re a fit and then come up with a doable plan.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in creative writing and two decades of experience doing communications for a Fortune 50 company, alongside writing and performing standup comedy and theatre.
